Inspection system and method

ABSTRACT

An inspection system for use with a rail vehicle includes a database containing vehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected. The database may be accessed by rail vehicles with on-board inspection systems so that they may inspect the location of track to be inspected.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 61/732,399 filed Dec. 2, 2012, hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for inspecting railtrack and assets and associated methods.

DISCUSSION OF ART

In the rail industry, it is important to maintain the railroad track andits components, e.g., fasteners and rail segments, as the condition ofthe track can affect the reliability of rail transportation over thetrack. Maintenance often involves inspection of the track, whichhistorically has been accomplished through a visual inspection by a railworker. Rail workers either perform a visual inspection on foot, which,as will be appreciated, is laborious and inefficient, or from a movingvehicle, which can be inaccurate given depending upon the vehicle speed,height, ambient light conditions, etc.

Alternatively, rail inspection may be accomplished through the use ofrailway inspection vehicles equipped with onboard sensors. Such vehiclestypically employ an array of sensors that measure multiple parametersfor maintenance planning and the like. In particular, optical sensorssuch as laser scanners, still cameras and video systems may be utilized.Such systems are used to measure parameters such as rail-to-rail gauge,rail head profile, catenary wire position and wear, track geometry, andclearances. Such systems may require user input to initiate inspectionsof track or other rail assets, e.g., an on-board rail worker activates asensor system when the vehicle is passing over an area to be inspected.

Moreover, inspections of certain sections of track may need to beperformed periodically for regulatory or other purposes and schedulingsuch inspections can be logistically challenging if many sections needinspection. Furthermore, for enhanced accuracy, it may be desirable toinspect a section of track multiple times using multiple inspectionvehicles. As will be appreciated, such inspections may presentlogistical difficulties.

It may be desirable to have a system and method for coordinating theinspection of track and rail assets by an inspection vehicle havingonboard sensors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route.

In another embodiment, an inspection system comprises a sensor system onboard a rail vehicle configured for inspection of track on which therail vehicle is configured to travel. The system further comprises acontrol system on board the rail vehicle, wherein the control systemincludes an energy management system on board the rail vehicle (e.g.,the energy management system is a sub-system of the vehicle controlsystem). The energy management system is configured to generate a tripplan to control movement of the rail vehicle. The trip plan comprisesthrottle settings as a function of at least one of location or time. Thesystem further comprises a database stored on a non-transient computerreadable electronic storage medium. The control system is configured tocommunicate with the database, e.g., the control system is configured tointerface with the computer readable electronic storage medium foraccessing data stored in the database. The database contains vehicleroute data, a location of track to be inspected, a frequency that thelocation of track is to be inspected, and a previous time that thelocation of track was inspected. The control system is configured toactivate the sensor system for inspecting the track based on thefrequency, the previous time, and a location of the rail vehicle ascross-referenced to the database.

In an embodiment, a method is provided which includes establishing atime period during which a rail track inspection location is to beinspected and identifying all rail inspection vehicles that will betravelling along a route containing the rail track inspect locationduring the established time period. The method further involvesdirecting rail inspection vehicles travelling along the route during thetime period to inspect the inspection location

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Reference will be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals used throughoutthe drawings refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an inspection system in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection method in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3-8 are schematic drawings of various inspection systems, inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to a rail inspection system andmethod. As used herein, “rail vehicle” refers to a vehicle that travelsover one or more fixed rails; examples include locomotives, switchers,shunters, including both freight haulage and passenger locomotives,which themselves may be diesel electric or all electric, and that mayrun on either AC or DC electric power, and rail vehicles such as railcars for hauling cargo, ore carts, etc. The term “optical sensors”refers to sensors that employ optics including, but not limited to,laser scanners, still cameras, and video systems. “Sensor system”includes optical sensors, as defined above, as well as x-ray systems,heat sensors and the like.

An embodiment of a rail inspection system 5 is configured for use with alocomotive or other rail vehicle. For example, FIG. 1 shows a schematicdiagram of a vehicle, herein depicted as a rail vehicle 10, configuredto run on a rail 30 via a plurality of wheels 32. The rail vehicle 10includes an engine, such as an internal combustion engine. A pluralityof traction motors (not shown) are mounted on a truck frame and are eachconnected to one of a plurality of wheels 32 to provide tractive powerto propel and retard the motion of the rail vehicle 10. A journal box(not shown) may be coupled to truck frame at one or more of the wheels32. The traction motors may receive electrical power from a generator toprovide tractive power to the rail vehicle 10.

The rail vehicle 10 also includes a sensor system 20, which may be anoptical inspection system, to inspect the track and other assets. In anembodiment, the sensor system is an optical inspection system thatincludes a sensor that has a transparent window or cover. As shown, therail vehicle 10 is operatively connected to a GPS system 40 as well as aroute database 50.

The route database includes information regarding various rail vehicleroutes as well as specific information regarding locations along theroute that need to be inspected, e.g., sections of track or otherassets.

The route database may also receive rail vehicle location informationfrom GPS system 40 regarding a rail vehicle's location. If the locationof the rail vehicle 10 is in proximity to an inspection location 34, thesystem may transmit this information to the rail vehicle 10 so that thesensor system 20 can inspect the location 34. In certain embodiments,the rail vehicle may periodically contact or otherwise connect with thedatabase to determine whether it is on a route with an inspectionlocation 34. The vehicle's location on the route may then be confirmedby the GPS and the inspection system 20 can inspect location 34.Operation of the system 5 may be effectuated through software residingon-board the vehicle or off-board.

In particular, operation of the optical or other sensor on the railvehicle may be directed by a rail network controller 60. The controller60 is operatively connected to the rail vehicle 10, inspection system20, and/or the database 50.

In another embodiment, a controller 60 may direct an inspection vehicleto inspect a location 34 based on temporal considerations. That is, thedatabase 50 may contain route data along with information regarding thelocation of inspection locations 34, the date of last inspection and thefrequency with which inspections should occur for the location 34. Whena location 34 is due for an inspection, the controller 60, utilizing GPSlocation information, can direct an inspection vehicle to inspect thelocation 34. The frequency of inspection can be dictated by normalmaintenance intervals, regulatory inspection schedules and the like.

In another embodiment, multiple rail vehicles travelling along a routemay inspect the same location 34 within a certain time frame to verifythe condition or status of the location 34. In this embodiment,coordination of the rail vehicles may be accomplished throughcommunication between the inspection vehicles and the database. That is,the database containing route and location data is accessed by thevehicles and, if a predetermined number of vehicles on a route are setto pass over a certain location 34 within a predetermined time frame,the inspection vehicles would be directed to inspect location 34.

In certain embodiments, the controller 60 may obtain GPS locationinformation from GPS system 40 and assess the number of vehicles on aroute and when they will pass over a location 34 obtained from thedatabase. The controller can then direct certain vehicles along theroute to inspect the location.

In other embodiments, the controller 60 may utilize vehicle locationdata obtained from an RFID system. That is, the vehicle route may haveRFID receivers placed at various locations, which receive input fromonboard RFID transmitters. The controller 60 could then access data fromthe receivers to determine the presence and location of an inspectionvehicle on a route having inspection locations.

In other embodiments, there may be multiple inspection vehicles in asingle consist (referring to plural vehicle mechanically coupled totravel together along a route). Here, one or more of the inspectionvehicles in a consist may be directed to inspect a location 34. If thelead vehicle receives instructions to inspect a location 34 usingmultiple inspection vehicles in the consist, the lead vehicle caninstruct the various inspection vehicles through wireless communicationusing radio equipment, through dedicated network cables betweenvehicles, or, in some instances, over existing power lines.

The route database 50 may be stored on a solid-state drive or other massdata storage device. The route database may be located on board the railvehicle having an optical inspection or other sensor system or onanother vehicle in a consist with an optical inspection (or other)vehicle. For example, the route database may be part of a rail vehicle'son-board electronics used to monitor and control traction, engine, andbraking systems. These existing electronics often include one or moreprocessors coupled to a mass data storage system via a bus interface.These interconnected components may be stored within the locomotive.

In other embodiments, the route database 50 is location off-board thevehicle. The rail vehicle may communicate with the database over awireless network regardless of the location of the database.

As will be appreciated, the inspection vehicles 10 may also collect andreport the status and/or condition of the tracks to the database 50 foruse in generating a map of track conditions. Further, this collectedinformation can be fed into a network management program to betterallocate inspection scheduling.

In certain embodiments, the inspection system may be used in connectionwith an automated dispatch system that guides the movement of freightand/or passenger trains in a transportation network that includes alocation or locations to be inspected. In embodiments, an automateddispatch system, e.g., a movement planner, can be employed to establisha time period during which a rail track inspection location is to beinspected, identify all rail inspection vehicles that will be traveleingalong a route containing the rail track inspect location during theestablished time period, and then direct rail inspection vehiclestravelling along the route during the time period to inspect theinspection location. Exemplary movement planners are described in, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 8,380,373, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

In an embodiment, an inspection system for use with a rail vehicle isprovided. The inspection system includes a database containing vehicleroute data and at least one location of track to be inspected. Thedatabase may be accessed by rail vehicles with on-board inspectionsystems so that they may inspect the location of track to be inspected.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, a method is provided whichincludes identifying a route over which an inspection vehicle istravelling and determining if the route contains an inspection locationfrom a database containing routes and inspection locations for theroutes. The processers then direct an inspection vehicle to inspect aninspection location along the route.

In an embodiment, a method is provided which includes establishing atime period during which a rail track inspection location is to beinspected and identifying all rail inspection vehicles that will betraveling along a route containing the rail track inspect locationduring the established time period. The method further involvesdirecting rail inspection vehicles travelling along the route during thetime period to inspect the inspection location.

In an embodiment, an inspection system for use with a rail vehicle isprovided. The system including a database containing vehicle route data,at least one location of track to be inspected, the frequency that thelocation requires inspection, and the last time that the location wasinspected. The database may be accessed by rail vehicles with on-boardinspection systems so that vehicles on a route contained in the databasemay inspect a location when the location is due for an inspection.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route. The database is located on-board the railvehicle. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the database is locatedoff-board the rail vehicle.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route. The system further comprises a globalpositioning system configured to determine a location of the railvehicle along a route in the database.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route. The system further comprises a sensorsystem on board the rail vehicle configured for inspection of the track.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route. The database is configured to be updatedwith the at least one location of track to be inspected from anoff-board scheduling system 62 (see FIG. 3) that is configured toschedule the movement of the rail vehicle and plural other rail vehiclesin a transportation system that includes the track.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route. The system further comprises a globalpositioning system configured to determine a location of the railvehicle along a route in the database, a sensor system on board the railvehicle configured for inspection of the track, and a control system 64(see FIG. 4) on board the rail vehicle. The control system is configuredto activate the sensor system for inspecting the track based on thelocation determined by the global positioning system as cross-referencedto the database.

In an embodiment (see FIG. 5), an inspection system comprises a databasecontaining vehicle route data and at least one location of track to beinspected. The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehiclewith an on-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on aroute contained in the database, to inspect one or more locations oftrack to be inspected along the route. The system further comprises aglobal positioning system configured to determine a location of the railvehicle along a route in the database, a sensor system on board the railvehicle configured for inspection of the track, and a control system onboard the rail vehicle. The control system is configured to activate thesensor system for inspecting the track based on the location determinedby the global positioning system as cross-referenced to the database.The database is configured to be updated with the at least one locationof track to be inspected from an off-board scheduling system that isconfigured to schedule the movement of the rail vehicle and plural otherrail vehicles in a transportation system that includes the track.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route. The system further comprises a globalpositioning system configured to determine a location of the railvehicle along a route in the database, a sensor system on board the railvehicle configured for inspection of the track, and a control system onboard the rail vehicle. The control system is configured to activate thesensor system for inspecting the track based on the location determinedby the global positioning system as cross-referenced to the database.The database further contains one or more frequencies that the at leastone location of track is to be inspected and one or more previous timesthat the at least one location of track was inspected. The controlsystem is configured to activate the sensor system for inspecting thetrack further based on the one or more frequencies and the one or moreprevious times.

In an embodiment (see FIG. 6), an inspection system comprises a databasecontaining vehicle route data and at least one location of track to beinspected. The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehiclewith an on-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on aroute contained in the database, to inspect one or more locations oftrack to be inspected along the route. The system further comprises asensor system on board the rail vehicle configured for inspection of thetrack, and a control system on board the rail vehicle. The controlsystem is configured to activate the sensor system for inspecting thetrack based on a location of the rail vehicle as cross-referenced to thedatabase.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route. The system further comprises a sensorsystem on board the rail vehicle configured for inspection of the track,and a control system on board the rail vehicle. The control system isconfigured to activate the sensor system for inspecting the track basedon a location of the rail vehicle as cross-referenced to the database.The database further contains one or more frequencies that the at leastone location of track is to be inspected and one or more previous timesthat the at least one location of track was inspected. The controlsystem is configured to activate the sensor system for inspecting thetrack further based on the one or more frequencies and the one or moreprevious times.

In an embodiment (see FIG. 7), an inspection system comprises a databasecontaining vehicle route data and at least one location of track to beinspected. The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehiclewith an on-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on aroute contained in the database, to inspect one or more locations oftrack to be inspected along the route. The system further comprises asensor system on board the rail vehicle configured for inspection of thetrack, and a control system on board the rail vehicle. The controlsystem is configured to activate the sensor system for inspecting thetrack based on a location of the rail vehicle as cross-referenced to thedatabase. The database is configured to be updated with the at least onelocation of track to be inspected by an off-board scheduling system thatis configured to schedule the movement of the rail vehicle and pluralother rail vehicles in a transportation system that includes the track.

In an embodiment, an inspection system comprises a database containingvehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected.The database is configured to be accessed by a rail vehicle with anon-board inspection system, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route. The system further comprises a sensorsystem on board the rail vehicle configured for inspection of the track,and a control system on board the rail vehicle. The control system isconfigured to activate the sensor system for inspecting the track basedon a location of the rail vehicle as cross-referenced to the database.The system further comprises an energy management system 66 (see FIG. 8)on board the rail vehicle, the energy management system configured togenerate a trip plan to control movement of the rail vehicle. The tripplan comprises throttle settings as a function of at least one oflocation or time. The energy management system is configured to generatethe trip plan based at least in part on the database.

In another embodiment, an inspection system comprises a sensor system onboard a rail vehicle configured for inspection of track on which therail vehicle is configured to travel. The system further comprises acontrol system on board the rail vehicle, wherein the control systemincludes an energy management system on board the rail vehicle (e.g.,the energy management system is a sub-system of the vehicle controlsystem). The energy management system is configured to generate a tripplan to control movement of the rail vehicle. The trip plan comprisesthrottle settings as a function of at least one of location or time. Thesystem further comprises a database stored on a non-transient computerreadable electronic storage medium. The control system is configured tocommunicate with the database, e.g., the control system is configured tointerface with the computer readable electronic storage medium foraccessing data stored in the database. The database contains vehicleroute data, a location of track to be inspected, a frequency that thelocation of track is to be inspected, and a previous time that thelocation of track was inspected. The control system is configured toactivate the sensor system for inspecting the track based on thefrequency, the previous time, and a location of the rail vehicle ascross-referenced to the database. The computer readable electronicstorage medium may be on-board the rail vehicle, or, in otherembodiments, is off-board the rail vehicle.

In another embodiment, an inspection system comprises a sensor system onboard a rail vehicle configured for inspection of track on which therail vehicle is configured to travel. The system further comprises acontrol system on board the rail vehicle, wherein the control systemincludes an energy management system on board the rail vehicle (e.g.,the energy management system is a sub-system of the vehicle controlsystem). The energy management system is configured to generate a tripplan to control movement of the rail vehicle (e.g., the energymanagement system may be configured to automatically control the vehiclebased on the trip plan). The trip plan comprises throttle settings as afunction of at least one of location or time. The system furthercomprises a database stored on a non-transient computer readableelectronic storage medium. The control system is configured tocommunicate with the database, e.g., the control system is configured tointerface with the computer readable electronic storage medium foraccessing data stored in the database. The database contains vehicleroute data, a location of track to be inspected, a frequency that thelocation of track is to be inspected, and a previous time that thelocation of track was inspected. The control system is configured toactivate the sensor system for inspecting the track based on thefrequency, the previous time, and a location of the rail vehicle ascross-referenced to the database. The database is configured to beupdated with at least one of the location of track to be inspected, thevehicle route data, the frequency, or the previous time by an off-boardscheduling system that is configured to schedule the movement of therail vehicle and plural other rail vehicles in a transportation systemthat includes the track.

In another embodiment, a method comprises establishing a time periodduring which a rail track inspection location is to be inspected,identifying all rail inspection vehicles that will be traveling along aroute containing the rail track inspect location during the establishedtime period, and directing rail inspection vehicles travelling along theroute during the time period to inspect the inspection location.

In another embodiment, a method comprises establishing a time periodduring which a rail track inspection location is to be inspected,identifying all rail inspection vehicles that will be traveling along aroute containing the rail track inspect location during the establishedtime period, and directing rail inspection vehicles travelling along theroute during the time period to inspect the inspection location. Therail inspection vehicles are at least one of freight trains andpassenger trains. The steps are carried out by an automated dispatchsystem that is configured to guide the movement of the at least one ofthe freight trains and passenger trains in a transportation network thatinclude the location.

In another embodiment, a method comprises identifying a route over whichan inspection vehicle is travelling, determining if the route containsan inspection location from a database containing routes and inspectionlocations for the routes, and directing an inspection vehicle to inspectan inspection location along the route.

In another embodiment, a method comprises identifying a route over whichan inspection vehicle is travelling, determining if the route containsan inspection location from a database containing routes and inspectionlocations for the routes, and directing an inspection vehicle to inspectan inspection location along the route. The route is identified byaccessing global positioning system data regarding the inspectionvehicle's location.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/oraspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from itsscope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein areintended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no meanslimiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. The terms “including” and “in which” are used as theplain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,”“lower,” “bottom,” “top,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical or positional requirements on theirobjects, unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralof said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the invention are notintended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additionalembodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unlessexplicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,”“including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having aparticular property may include additional such elements not having thatproperty.

This written description uses examples to disclose several embodimentsof the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of invention,including making and using any devices or systems and performing anyincorporated methods.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inspection system, comprising: a sensor systemon board a rail vehicle configured for inspection of track on which therail vehicle is configured to travel; a database containing vehicleroute data and at least one location of track to be inspected; a globalpositioning system configured to determine a location of the railvehicle along a route in the database; a control system on board therail vehicle, wherein the control system is configured to activate thesensor system for inspecting the track based on the location determinedby the global positioning system as cross-referenced to the database;wherein the database is configured to be accessed by the rail vehicle,when on a route contained in the database, for the rail vehicle toinspect one or more locations of track to be inspected along the route;and wherein the database further contains one or more frequencies thatthe at least one location of track is to be inspected and one or moreprevious times that the at least one location of track was inspected,and wherein the control system is configured to activate the sensorsystem for inspecting the track further based on the one or morefrequencies and the one or more previous times.
 2. An inspection system,comprising: a sensor system on board a rail vehicle configured forinspection of track on which the rail vehicle is configured to travel; adatabase containing vehicle route data and at least one location oftrack to be inspected, wherein the database is configured to be accessedby the rail vehicle, for the rail vehicle, when on a route contained inthe database, to inspect one or more locations of track to be inspectedalong the route; a control system on board the rail vehicle, wherein thecontrol system is configured to activate the sensor system forinspecting the track based on a location of the rail vehicle ascross-referenced to the database; and wherein the database furthercontains one or more frequencies that the at least one location of trackis to be inspected and one or more previous times that the at least onelocation of track was inspected, and wherein the control system isconfigured to activate the sensor system for inspecting the trackfurther based on the one or more frequencies and the one or moreprevious times.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the database isconfigured to be updated with the at least one location of track to beinspected by an off-board scheduling system that is configured toschedule the movement of the rail vehicle and plural other rail vehiclesin a transportation system that includes the track.
 4. An inspectionsystem, comprising: a sensor system on board a rail vehicle configuredfor inspection of track on which the rail vehicle is configured totravel; a database containing vehicle route data and at least onelocation of track to be inspected, wherein the database is configured tobe accessed by the rail vehicle, for the rail vehicle, when on a routecontained in the database, to inspect one or more locations of track tobe inspected along the route; a control system on board the railvehicle, wherein the control system is configured to activate the sensorsystem for inspecting the track based on a location of the rail vehicleas cross-referenced to the database; and an energy management system onboard the rail vehicle, the energy management system configured togenerate a trip plan to control movement of the rail vehicle, the tripplan comprising throttle settings as a function of at least one oflocation or time, and wherein the energy management system is configuredto generate the trip plan based at least in part on the database.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the database is located on-board the railvehicle.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the database is locatedoff-board the rail vehicle.
 7. The system of claim 4, furthercomprising: a global positioning system configured to determine alocation of the rail vehicle along a route in the database.
 8. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the database is configured to be updated withthe at least one location of track to be inspected from an off-boardscheduling system that is configured to schedule the movement of therail vehicle and plural other rail vehicles in a transportation systemthat includes the track.
 9. The system of claim 4, further comprising: aglobal positioning system configured to determine a location of the railvehicle along a route in the database; wherein the control system isconfigured to activate the sensor system for inspecting the track basedon the location determined by the global positioning system ascross-referenced to the database.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein thedatabase is configured to be updated with the at least one location oftrack to be inspected from an off-board scheduling system that isconfigured to schedule the movement of the rail vehicle and plural otherrail vehicles in a transportation system that includes the track.
 11. Aninspection system comprising: a sensor system on board a rail vehicleconfigured for inspection of track on which the rail vehicle isconfigured to travel; a control system on board the rail vehicle,wherein the control system includes an energy management system on boardthe rail vehicle, the energy management system configured to generate atrip plan to control movement of the rail vehicle, the trip plancomprising throttle settings as a function of at least one of locationor time; and a database stored on a non-transient computer readableelectronic storage medium, wherein the control system is configured tocommunicate with the database, and wherein the database contains vehicleroute data, a location of track to be inspected, a frequency that thelocation of track is to be inspected, and a previous time that thelocation of track was inspected; and wherein the control system isconfigured to activate the sensor system for inspecting the track basedon the frequency, the previous time, and a location of the rail vehicleas cross-referenced to the database.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereinthe computer readable electronic storage medium is on-board the railvehicle.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the computer readableelectronic storage medium is off-board the rail vehicle.
 14. The systemof claim 11, wherein the database is configured to be updated with atleast one of the location of track to be inspected, the vehicle routedata, the frequency, or the previous time by an off-board schedulingsystem that is configured to schedule the movement of the rail vehicleand plural other rail vehicles in a transportation system that includesthe track.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the energy managementsystem is configured to automatically control movement of the railvehicle based on the trip plan.
 16. A method comprising the steps of:establishing a time period during which a rail track inspection locationis to be inspected; identifying all rail inspection vehicles that willbe traveling along a route containing the rail track inspect locationduring the established time period; and directing rail inspectionvehicles travelling along the route during the time period to inspectthe inspection location.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the railinspection vehicles are at least one of freight trains and passengertrains, and wherein the steps are carried out by an automated dispatchsystem that is configured to guide the movement of the at least one ofthe freight trains and passenger trains in a transportation network thatinclude the location.
 18. An inspection system, comprising: a sensorsystem on board a vehicle, the sensor system configured for inspectionof a route on which the vehicle is configured to travel; and a controlsystem on board the vehicle, wherein the control system is configured toaccess a database containing vehicle route data, at least one locationof the route to be inspected, one or more frequencies that the at leastone location of the route is to be inspected, and one or more previoustimes that the at least one location of the route was inspected, andwherein the control system is further configured to activate the sensorsystem for inspecting the route based on: a location of the vehicle ascross-referenced to the database; the one or more frequencies; and theone or more previous times.